By George C. Thomas, Golf & Travel Writer
The Palo Alto Golf Club is an absolute treat to play. Right next to the Palo Alto Airport, and close to the water, this golf course on the peninsula near the south bay will delight and entice you. A few of the holes run right along the airport runway, so golfing and watching the planes & helicopters take off and land is a great way to spend the day. The course is wide open, so if you are slicing or hooking it all over the place, you will still be able to find your ball. They have a really nice practice area, as well as a fully lit driving range. Warming up and hitting a few shots before your round is the perfect way to begin the fun before grabbing a coffee and wandering over to the first tee. The course plays 6833 yards from all the way back, and they have five sets of tees to suit everyone’s golfing ability. The greens were in great shape and highly receptive, even if you were coming in with a long iron or fairway wood, the ball would check up and stay on the green. At the ninth tee you can call in your food order, and that is always a nice touch.
It was a beautiful and sunny day when I played Palo Alto Golf Club, and the whole time I was out there golfing the course reminded me of a links style course like the ones you would find in Scotland. In the afternoon the wind started to blow, and definitely affected my club selection. The wildlife viewing is enjoyable, and many a Canada Goose can be found throughout the 18 holes. There is a small creek that should not come into play, and water to hit over on #11, a delightful Par 3. I would definitely recommend playing the Palo Alto Golf Club the next time you are in the bay area. It took me just under 30 minutes to get to the golf course from San Jose, and the two gentlemen I played with came in from San Francisco, and told me it took them about 30 minutes to get to the course as well. (For more information or to book a tee time, please visit www.bradlozaresgolfshop.com)